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Emily and Stanley find a ‘Thing’ crying outside their window. They embark on a series of adventures to find everything he needs for a good night’s sleep… but nothing seems to work. What is troubling the Thing, and why can’t he get to sleep?
Teaching Ideas and Resources:
English
- Before reading the story, discuss what the ‘Thing’ might be.
- Read the other books about Emily Brown and make a timeline showing her adventures.
- Can you find any examples of onomatopoeia in the story?
- Rewrite the story as a diary entry from Emily’s point of view… or from the Thing’s point of view.
- Emily visits the Dark and Scary wood. Can you find any synonyms for ‘dark’ and ‘scary’.
- The Thing’s cuddly is found at the top of the twistiest and thorniest tree. Can you think of any more superlatives?
- The author uses capital letters at different points in the story. Can you explain why?
- Can you carry out some research to find out more about the author? Watch this video and think of questions that you would like to ask her:
Science
- The Thing only had one hundred hamburgers and ones small apple for his tea. Can you plan a healthy meal for him?
- Emily Brown and Stanley are trying to sleep when the Thing keeps interrupting them. Why do we need sleep? When do animals sleep? Can you find out about noctural animals?
Computing
- Look at the fonts used in the book title and throughout the story. Could you design a new title using interesting and exciting fonts?
Design Technology
- Make a model of the Thing using craft materials.
Art
- Look at the different colours, textures and patterns used in the story. How would you describe them? Can you try to recreate some of them?
- The illustrator created the ‘Thing’ based on the author’s description. Could you design a new ‘Thing’?
Music
- Compose a relaxing tune to help the Thing get to sleep at night.
Geography
- Draw a map showing the places that Emily, Stanley and the Thing go to.
PSHE
- Emily Brown keep helping the Thing but he keeps bothering them. How do you think this makes Emily feel?